My only knowledge of doing a compression test is with actual gauges while turning over the engine. The spark plugs must come out and I don't think having fuel injection can be working either. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Compression test isn't a logical or time effective thing to do. If its low mileage on a 09 its not a problem.

A compression test would not be needed for a 2009 vehicle. If you even feel the need to run one on the truck you have your eye on... WALK AWAY. There are tons of 2009 Tacoma's on the market and this particular truck must be beat to hell if you deem it necessary to run a compression test.

But to answer your question, you would need to pull the spark plugs out, hook a compression testing gauge into one plug hole,crank the motor over and record what the PSI was. (repeat 5 more times)

Or you can run a compression test with a Techstream. (Toyota scan-tool) It's not a "real compression test" because it just looks at how much downward force is being exerted from each piston on it's power stroke. It is easier and quicker than running a traditional compression test but not as accurate and idk where you are going to get a hold of a Techstream.

A compression test would not be needed for a 2009 vehicle. If you even feel the need to run one on the truck you have your eye on... WALK AWAY. There are tons of 2009 Tacoma's on the market and this particular truck must be beat to hell if you deem it necessary to run a compression test.

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Agreed, a compression test shouldn't be required on such a new vehicle unless you think there's something seriously wrong. If the engine isn't running properly, the check engine light or one of the other dummy lights would come on.

I agree w/ these guys. There shouldnt be a need for a compression test on an 09 motor in this truck. If you were buying a turbo car thats been modded and beaten on, that'd be a different story imo, but I wouldnt sweat it on this if the thing drives ok. And if it doesnt...find another. tacomas are definitely not limited in availability.

A detailed inspection by a quality mechanic is never a bad idea when buying a vehicle. Time and money are the limiting factors in how involved an inspection you want.
A leakdown test would be a better test of engine health. It not only tells you that there is a problem, it tells you where it is. A compression test will only tell you there is a problem.
If the test helps you sleep without nightmares of engine failure, do it!

Thanks for the input guys.
The 2009 is a clean looking Tacoma Access cab (about 50,000 km or 30,000 miles), it does not look at all abused but I'll feel better checking it out as much as possible. Odds are I'm wasting my time but I will sleep better. I've got a Haynes Repair Manual for 2005 to 2009 Toyota Tacoma but it is short on info regarding a compression test.
Is there any special way to ground the wire from the coil to the distributor cap? I don't want to risk any damage to any electrical components. One more dumb question, where is the dip stick for the auto trans located?
Thanks in advance.
Mark

Thanks for the input guys.
The 2009 is a clean looking Tacoma Access cab (about 50,000 km or 30,000 miles), it does not look at all abused but I'll feel better checking it out as much as possible. Odds are I'm wasting my time but I will sleep better. I've got a Haynes Repair Manual for 2005 to 2009 Toyota Tacoma but it is short on info regarding a compression test.
Is there any special way to ground the wire from the coil to the distributor cap? I don't want to risk any damage to any electrical components. One more dumb question, where is the dip stick for the auto trans located?
Thanks in advance.
Mark

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with all due respect... take it to somebody who knows what the hell they are doing if you want the truck checked out. It sounds like you will just end up breaking something.

Thanks Christian, I appreciate the trouble you went to, very informative.

Hey, Speedjunkie, I've rebuilt differentials, replaced timing chains, harmonic balancers, axles, spindles, bearings, etc. but not on a Tacoma. Most of these projects are not a big deal.
I want to do the job correctly so I have to ask because it is not in the Haynes Taco Manual. Just because it is not in the Taco Manual doesn't mean the a non registered mechanic can't do it. And just because someone is a registered mechanic that doesn't mean they can't screw up.
I like to do as much work on my own vehicle as possible then I know it is done correctly. I get to know my vehicle, save cash plus have a great sense of satisfaction having tackled something I've never done before. The really tough or difficult jobs, I leave for my mechanic at $90.00 per hour.
Mark

Thanks Christian, I appreciate the trouble you went to, very informative.

Hey, Speedjunkie, I've rebuilt differentials, replaced timing chains, harmonic balancers, axles, spindles, bearings, etc. but not on a Tacoma. Most of these projects are not a big deal.
I want to do the job correctly so I have to ask because it is not in the Haynes Taco Manual. Just because it is not in the Taco Manual doesn't mean the a non registered mechanic can't do it. And just because someone is a registered mechanic that doesn't mean they can't screw up.
I like to do as much work on my own vehicle as possible then I know it is done correctly. I get to know my vehicle, save cash plus have a great sense of satisfaction having tackled something I've never done before. The really tough or difficult jobs, I leave for my mechanic at $90.00 per hour.
Mark

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The haynes manuals are good for general info, but nothing beats the factory manuals. Check ttora.com for pdf versions before you buy one.
Sounds to me like you have the chops to do the work yourself. I do my own work for all the same reasons. I'm lucky to have access to the military's auto hobby shops. Working from a lift makes for faster work when I need it. Can't beat an indoor bay either.

Thanks for the tip Dave, I'll check out ttora.com before buying my factory manual. I got a couple of factory manuals from helminc.com a few years back, they carry a fair variety.
Having an indoor lift, that makes life a lot easier. Without a lift there are some jobs I will not tackle.
Looks like I'm getting closer to getting my Taco. Got a guy coming over this weekend to buy my old pickup. After that, I have one more vehicle to sell then it's Taco Time.
Cheers,
Mark

Thanks for the tip Dave, I'll check out ttora.com before buying my factory manual. I got a couple of factory manuals from helminc.com a few years back, they carry a fair variety.
Having an indoor lift, that makes life a lot easier. Without a lift there are some jobs I will not tackle.
Looks like I'm getting closer to getting my Taco. Got a guy coming over this weekend to buy my old pickup. After that, I have one more vehicle to sell then it's Taco Time.
Cheers,
Mark

Thanks Christian, I appreciate the trouble you went to, very informative.

Hey, Speedjunkie, I've rebuilt differentials, replaced timing chains, harmonic balancers, axles, spindles, bearings, etc. but not on a Tacoma. Most of these projects are not a big deal.
I want to do the job correctly so I have to ask because it is not in the Haynes Taco Manual. Just because it is not in the Taco Manual doesn't mean the a non registered mechanic can't do it. And just because someone is a registered mechanic that doesn't mean they can't screw up.
I like to do as much work on my own vehicle as possible then I know it is done correctly. I get to know my vehicle, save cash plus have a great sense of satisfaction having tackled something I've never done before. The really tough or difficult jobs, I leave for my mechanic at $90.00 per hour.
Mark

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It's just that the questions you were asking are pretty basic engine knowledge on any newer car. It's awesome that you like to do your own work and want to learn as much as possible, i just don't think to time to learn that stuff is on a vehicle somebody is trying to sell.

Sorry if i came across rude, that was not my intention. I hope everything works out and you enjoy your new truck.